Factory Reset

• Prerequisites for Performing Factory Reset, on page 1• Limitations for Performing Factory Reset, on page 1• Information About Factory Reset, on page 1• How to Perform Factory Reset, on page 2• Feature History and Information for Factory Reset, on page 3

Prerequisites for Performing Factory Reset• Ensure that all the software images, configurations, and personal data are backed up before performingthe Factory Reset operation.

• Ensure that the device is not in the stacking mode as Factory Reset is supported only in the standalonemode. For Modular-chassis in high availability mode, Factory Reset is applied per supervisor.

• Ensure that there is uninterrupted power supply when the process is in progress.

• Ensure that you take a backup of the current image before you begin the Factory Reset process.

• Ensure that neither In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) nor In-Service Software Downgrade (ISSD) isin progress before starting the Factory Reset process.

Limitations for Performing Factory Reset• Software patches, if any, that are installed on the switch will not be restored after the Factory Resetoperation.

• If the Factory Reset command is issued through a vty session, the session is not restored after completionof the Factory Reset process.

Information About Factory ResetFactory Reset removes all the customer specific data that has been added to the device since the time of itsshipping. Data erased includes configurations, log files, boot variables, core files, and credentials likeFIPS-related keys.

Factory Reset1

The following table provides details about the data that is erased and retained during the Factory Reset process:

Table 1: Data Erased and Retained During Factory Reset

Data RetainedData Erased

Data from Remote field-replaceable units (FRUs)All Cisco IOS images, including the current bootimage

Value of the configuration registerCrash information and logs

Contents of USBUser data, and startup and running configuration

Credentials like Secure Unique Device Identifier(SUDI) certificates, Public key infrastrutcure (PKI)keys

Credentials like FIPS-related keys

LicensesOnboard Failure Logging (OBFL) logs

ROMMON variables added by the user

The Factory Reset process can be used in the following two scenarios:

• Return Material Authorization (RMA) for a device—If you have to return a device to Cisco for RMA,remove all the customer-specific data before obtaining an RMA certificate for the device.

• Recovering the compromised device— If the keymaterial or credentials stored on a device is compromised,reset the device to factory configuration, and then reconfigure the device.

The device reloads to perform the Factory Reset task. Note that this reload results in a ROMMON mode.

After the Factory Reset operation is complete, you can load the Cisco IOS image either through a USB orTFTP.

How to Perform Factory ResetProcedure

PurposeCommand or Action

Enables privileged EXEC mode.enableStep 1

Example: Enter your password if prompted.Device> enable

Use the command with all options enabled.factory-reset {all | config |boot-vars}Step 2

Example: No system configuration is required to use the factory resetcommand.Device# factory-reset allErases all the content from the NVRAM, all the Cisco IOSimages, including the current boot image, boot variables,startup and running configuration data, and user data.

Factory Reset2

Factory ResetHow to Perform Factory Reset

PurposeCommand or Action

Use the option config to reset the start-up configurations.

Use the option boot-vars to reset the user added bootvariables.

After the Factory Reset process is successfully completed,the device reboots and stops at ROMMON mode.

Feature History and Information for Factory ResetFeature InformationRelease

This feature was introduced.Cisco IOS XE Fuji 16.8.1a

Factory Reset3

Factory ResetFeature History and Information for Factory Reset

Factory Reset4

Factory ResetFeature History and Information for Factory Reset

Factory ResetPrerequisites for Performing Factory ResetLimitations for Performing Factory ResetInformation About Factory ResetHow to Perform Factory ResetFeature History and Information for Factory Reset